MSG replacement

Clean Label Umami

The Challenge

MSG (monosodium glutamate) remains one of the most effective flavor enhancers in food manufacturing, but consumer perception has turned decisively against it. Despite being generally recognized as safe by regulatory bodies worldwide, "No MSG" has become a mandatory claim for health-conscious brands and clean label positioning. Yet removing MSG often leaves products flat, one-dimensional, and lacking the savory depth consumers expect. Food manufacturers need an alternative that delivers comparable umami enhancement without the label baggage or consumer backlash.

How Our Solution Works

Our Onion Juice Concentrate Umami variant provides natural umami enhancement through naturally occurring glutamates and nucleotides found in onions. Unlike MSG, which delivers pure umami intensity with no additional flavor contribution, OJC adds savory depth along with subtle sweetness, allium complexity, and flavor-building compounds that create a more rounded taste profile. It enhances existing flavors rather than simply amplifying them, resulting in products that taste naturally flavorful rather than artificially boosted.

The consumer-facing benefit is clear: "onion juice concentrate" appears as a familiar, recognizable ingredient that supports clean label claims. The technical benefit is equally important: OJC works synergistically with other ingredients to build complexity, not just intensity.

Key Differentiators vs. MSG

MSG: Single-function flavor enhancer, consumer-negative perception, adds only umami intensity OJC: Multi-functional ingredient, consumer-friendly label, adds umami plus flavor complexity, sweetness, and depth

Unlike MSG which consumers actively avoid, onion juice concentrate is perceived as a wholesome, natural ingredient. It transforms "No MSG" from a defensive claim into a positive story about using real food ingredients.

Proven Results Across Applications

• Sauces & Condiments: Complete MSG replacement while improving overall flavor complexity
• Seasonings & Spice Blends: Natural umami boost with clean label appeal
• Snack Foods: Enhanced savory taste without artificial flavor enhancers
• Soups & Ready Meals: Depth and richness from a single natural ingredient
• Meat & Poultry Products: Savory enhancement that complements protein without masking

Beyond MSG Replacement: Multiple Benefits

Replacing MSG rarely happens in isolation. Our OJC Umami variant typically enables brands to remove or reduce other label-unfriendly ingredients including yeast extract, hydrolyzed vegetable proteins, disodium inosinate, and artificial flavors. The result is a dramatically cleaner ingredient declaration that resonates with today's label-reading consumers, while often reducing overall ingredient costs.

Who Benefits

Brands targeting health-conscious consumers, manufacturers reformulating legacy products for clean label compliance, food service operators responding to "No MSG" requests, export-focused companies entering markets with MSG restrictions, and any food manufacturer looking to future-proof products against changing consumer preferences—all find OJC Umami delivers a viable path forward.

Ready to Replace MSG?

Explore our technical specifications, request samples, or connect with our applications team to discuss your specific MSG replacement goals.